Whisky Tour of Scotland - Whisky Trail, or Islay

Visit Islay, the Whisky Trail, or just a day's worth of distilleries from Edinburgh. Some people collect single malts the way others collect fine wine. You'll sample a few, no matter which tour you choose.

What is a
Single Malt Scotch Whisky? A Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the product of one
specific distillery and has not been mixed with whisky from any other
distilleries.

Pack your british travel bag and visit Islay, the Whisky Trail, or other distilleries from Edinburgh. Why just read british travel books? Learn about Scottish culture first hand as you travel through scenic Cairngorms National Park. This tour takes you to Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries.
Cheers!

Day 1 Departing from Edinburgh, your three-day Scotch Whisky adventure starts with the journey north into the Highlands. The first stop will be the historic village of Dunkeld for a short walk through the forest to some atmospheric waterfalls. After lunch in Pitlochry you will make your first distillery visit at Dalwhinnie – the highest distillery in the country and the closest to the source of the River Spey. From here you follow the river north through the Cairngorm National Park to the small town of Grantown on Spey – your base for the next two nights.

Day 2 A whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. After a scenic drive towards the coast, your first stop of the day will be at the family owned Benromach Distillery for a personalised tour. From here it is a short distance to Elgin – home to Gordon and Macphail – one of the world’s leading specialist whisky bottlers and suppliers. From here you will travel back up the Spey to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage where you will see another aspect of the whisky making process*. After lunch here or in nearby Aberlour you will visit Glenfiddich Distillery. From here its back to Grantown on Spey. *Wednesday departures only.

Day 3 Takes you through the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains on route back to Edinburgh. In the morning you will explore Glenlivet – not just a distillery but also a beautiful glen with great walks and wonderful wildlife. Later you will pass by the famous Balmoral Castle and stop in the village of Braemar in the heart of the National Park. From here the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass then through Perthshire before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Please note – the itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season and may not be the same described above. However there will always be a minimum of 4 distillery visits during the tour.

3 DAY WHISKY TOUR Per Person No children under the age of 18 are allowed on
this tour.

01/APR/20 to 05/APR/20, 01/NOV/20 to 17/DEC/20 and 04/JAN/21 to 31/MAR/21

06/APR/20 to 31/MAY/20, 01/OCT/20 to 31/OCT/20 and 18/DEC/20 to 03/JAN/21 (Christmas & New Year)

01/JUN/20 to 30/SEP/20

Adult

Child 5-15

Adult

Child 5-15

Adult

Child 5-15

3 Day

Speyside Whisky Trail

B&B Shared

401

446

476

B&B Single

455

499

529

Hotel Shared

461

505

535

Hotel Single

520

565

595

Monday

27/APR/20 - 12/OCT/20

09:15

18:30

Wednesday

01/APR/20 - 16/DEC/20 (except 11/NOV/21) plus 03/MAR/21 - 31/MAR/21

Friday

03/APR/20 - 30/OCT/20

4 day Islay and
Whisky Coast - Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and KilchomanOften recommended by british travel companies and british travel bloggers
for those who consider themselves “Whisky Aficionados “ this 4 day specialist whisky tour takes you to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman. For the whisky enthusiast this tour will give you an in depth knowledge and even better - you won’t need to drive anywhere yourself!

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotlands
largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the
beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can
perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic
town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the
ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments
within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see
the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community
museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early
evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out
for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a
short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay. Please see accommodation notes
below.

Day 2 A full day exploring Islay, often referred to as “Whisky Island” by many british travel bloggers.

The
itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white
sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned
for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the
morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay
for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the
island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky
lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich
Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of
Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west
coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.

Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the
island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies  Laphroaig,
Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and
lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local
produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit
to Laphroaig. While in the area we will visit the ruins of Kildalton
church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there
will be the option to spend some free time in Bowmore village. Here you can
visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June -
Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively
we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft producers
(and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the
nearby River Sorn.

Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. Here we will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. British travel companies sometimes recommend to do so, if you can! The others will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Return time approx. 20.00

Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal
experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour. We believe a small group
tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your
trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5
Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16
passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with
the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of
an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people
from all over the world and make friends for life.

Services of a professional driver/guide

Accommodations

Grantown

B&B: Kinross House, Garden Park, Brooklyn Guest House , Dunallan

Hotels: Garth Hotel, Craiglynne Hotel

Islay Accommodation - Monday and Friday departures; only B&B/Cottage option available, and Wednesday departure; only Hotel option available
All ferry and bridge crossings.

Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions

Exclusions: All meals and refreshments. Entrance fees to all distilleries and
visitor attractions.

. *This tour can pick up and drop off in Glasgow.

01/APR/20 to 05/APR/20, 01/NOV/20 to 17/DEC/20 and 04/JAN/21 to 31/MAR/21

06/APR/20 to 31/MAY/20, 01/OCT/20 to 31/OCT/20 and 18/DEC/20 to 03/JAN/21 (Christmas & New Year)

No visit to Scotland is complete without sampling a 'wee dram' and you will get
the chance to taste some of the finished product. Known in the Gaelic as Uisge
Beatha (or 'water of life') whisky has been produced for centuries in Scotland
and the art is now close to perfection.

There are many fascinating and culturally important things to see and beautiful
places to go when visiting Scotland and ideally, our tours will feature the
best of Scotland, alongside the best of Scotch Malt Whisky.

Although there are distilleries throughout Scotland, some are far flung, and a
visit to a well stocked pub or restaurant filled with a variety of single malts
can aid in the quest. This 8 day car tour provides visitors with the best of
the Highlands and a visit to Speyside, Scotlands famous whisky producing
area. Come at any time to enjoy famous names and share well-kept secrets with
knowledgeable locals in well-stocked bars and friendly pubs.

You can explore this area by self drive tour, but why not tour by minibus with
a driver/guide, just for your group. Sit back and relax. Enjoy!

Day 1 - EDINBURGH/PERTH - DEWARS
DALWHINNIE Welcome to Scotland, the land of Rob Roy, and the setting for
the film, "Braveheart". Every bend in the road affords a reminder of
history and romance. The itinerary takes you north to the historic village of
Dunkeld and the stunning Hermitage forest waterfalls. In Pitlochry you can
sample the delights of Scotland's highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, near the
source of the River Spey. Continuing alongside Loch Tummel you then head over
the hills and past the spectacular sixteenth century Castle Menzies towards the
town of Aberfeldy and Dewars Whisky distillery*, where you can discover the
secret of how Scotland's national drink is made. Near the Victorian town of
Pitlochry, the Highlands meet the Lowlands.

Day 2 ABERDEEN KILDRUMMY GLENLIVET Today's route takes you through the
beautiful Cairngorm Mountains . In the morning you will explore Glenlivet - not
just a distillery but also a beautiful glen with great walks and wonderful
wildlife. The drive to Braemar is spectacular, with lush green fields giving
way to heather carpeted mountains. Visit Castle Fraser, a fairytale pink
fortress en route to Aberdeen and your accommodations at the elegant Ardoe
House. (B)

Day 3 THE WHISKY TRAIL BENROMACH GLENFIDDICH A
whole day exploring Scotland's most famous whisky region. After a scenic drive
toward the coast your first stop of the day will be at the family owned
Benromach Distillery for a personalised tour. From here it is a short distance
to Elgin - home to Gordon and Macphail - one of the world's leading specialist
whisky bottlers and suppliers. After lunch in Elgin you will travel back up the
Spey to Aberlour for a visit to the distillery there and time permitting make a
stop at the Speyside Cooperage in nearby Craigellachie, The Whisky Trail passes
little Highland villages en route to the Glenfiddich Distillery, where you
sample the famous "water of life". Continue to Inverness, capital of
the Highlands. Stay at Culloden House, a gracious ivy clad Georgian mansion.
The house's history includes spies, sieges, high chieftains and romance.
(B)

Day 4-LOCH NESS/OBAN Visions of highland games, golf, haggis, remote
islands, tartans and fine malt whisky come to life as you tour the countryside.
Cawdor Castle, the place Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Macbeth is
nearby. The battle of Culloden was fought near Inverness.
Pass the Caledonian Canal, which links the
lochs of the Great Glen to the North and Irish Seas. View Loch Ness, the
legendary home of "Nessie". Monster spotting is a favorite pastime
here from the ruined Castle Urquhart. Travel to the mainland and to Ft.
William, dominated by Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. (B)

Day 5 - ISLAY KILCHOMAN. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig
where we catch the early ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you
should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. The
itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white
sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned
for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the
morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay
for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island)
with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers (B)

Day 6 ISLAY ARDBEG BRUICHLADDICH Another day in paradise!
Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest
and peatiest of all whiskies - Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit
Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place
to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow
that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we will visit the ruins
of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. IIn the afternoon
you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and
tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals)
before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays,
on the way back to Bowmore. (B)

Day 7 GLEN COE/EDINBURGH The Pass of Glen Coe is
notorious for the 1692 massacre. The area of low mountains and serene lakes
around Callander is known as the Trossachs, the setting for Sir Walter Scott's
Rob Roy and Lady of the Lake. Continue to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
(B)

What is a Blended Scotch Whisky? A blended scotch whisky may
contain a combination of whiskies from over 40 or 50 different malt and grain
distilleries. The normal ratio of malt to grain is 60% grain 40% malt. The
percentage of malt used will determine the quality and smoothness of taste and
character.

Travel Insurance from $60Customized Vacations
If you have just eight persons in your party, we can operate this tour
exclusively for you in a minibus, with an
expert driver/guide. We can also modify the itinerary to suit your family's or
group's needs, with or without activities for children in Scotland.

Planning a group tour?Ask us for a quotation for a group of any size. Great
Britain travel the way you want, with the ultimate choice of hotels and
sightseeing. Whether you just want a base for excursions, or are planning an
extensive itinerary, we can provide exactly what you want.